Black Hills Energy donates $50K for Nebraska COVID-19 relief

Black Hills Energy, headquartered in South Dakota, is donating $375,000 to it's 8-state region, which includes Nebraska.

Black Hills Energy, headquartered in Rapid City, South Dakota, announced Wednesday morning that it is donating $375,000 to coronavirus relief efforts in its eight-state region, which includes $50,000 in funds to Nebraska.

In a press release, the company sites safety as its number one priority.

“As the impact of the coronavirus grows, Black Hills Energy’s number one priority is the continued safety of its customers, employees and communities. After assessing the growing needs in communities it serves, Black Hills Energy designated $375,000 for immediate relief efforts in Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming.”

The release continues, “Our hearts go out to all those impacted by COVID-19, whether physically or economically, as we witness it impact communities where our families, friends and customers live, work and raise families,” said Black Hills Energy president and chief executive officer, Linn Evans. “As a provider of critical electric and gas services, we are committed to ensuring all the communities we serve maintain access to these services, but our care for our customers goes well beyond providing these services. We have been by our customers’ sides throughout all of the challenges over the last 136 years and will continue to do so through this challenge too.”

Black Hills Energy partnered with state and local non-profits to identify and address needs and allocated $50,000 for immediate relief efforts in Nebraska.

“We continue to adapt to the ever-changing environment and are working daily to play our part in reducing the spread of COVID-19 and helping those who are impacted,” said Kevin Jarosz, vice president of Nebraska natural gas operations. “In Nebraska we will partner with the following organizations: Columbus United Way, Kearney Area Employee Emergency Relief Fund, Lincoln Community Foundation, Midlands Community Foundation, Northwest Nebraska Community Action Partnership, Western Nebraska Community Action Partnership, and more,” said Jarosz.

Additionally, Black Hills Energy offers assistance options for customers who may be financially impacted by COVID-19, including 12-month payment arrangements and budget billing, as well as temporary suspension of nonpayment disconnections. Visit www.blackhillsenergy.com for more information about these programs and others.